Jimmy Kimmel proposed a formal ceasefire with President Trump on his Monday monologue, attempting to resolve tensions that intensified this week following a joke about first lady Melania at the White House Correspondents' dinner on Saturday. Kimmel characterized his remark about Melania having the "glow" of an "expectant widow" as a reference to the couple's age difference, not a call for violence as Trump has characterized it.
Trump responded to the joke with escalating criticism. On Thursday morning, he posted on social media demanding ABC fire Kimmel, calling him "seriously unfunny" and citing his show's low ratings. "People are angry. It better be soon!!!" Trump wrote. The president has maintained that Kimmel's joke constituted a "despicable call to violence," a characterization Kimmel disputed during his Monday broadcast.
In response, Kimmel offered specific terms for the proposed truce. "We don't have to meet face-to-face. I know you're busy. Send a delegation. Send JD Vance and Jared," Kimmel said, referring to Vice President Vance and Jared Kushner. The late-night host suggested they negotiate a ceasefire agreement. "This could be good for both of us. I get to keep my job, you get to end your eleventh war," he said, adding with humor, "We can help each other."
As part of his proposal, Kimmel offered Trump a promotional clip for ABC that would highlight the president's various insults directed at him over the years, framing it as a tongue-in-cheek olive branch. The clip maintained its promotional purpose for Kimmel while incorporating Trump's own past criticism.
The dispute has extended beyond the two figures themselves. Following Trump and Melania's calls for Kimmel's termination, the FCC signaled it would call in all television station licenses for Disney/ABC for early renewal. Those licenses were not ordinarily scheduled for renewal until 2028. Critics characterized this regulatory action as responsive to the White House's push for the removal of a vocal critic.
